Amazon's Ring unveils the $249 Ring Smart Lock, which uses a physical dial to recharge the battery when turned, set for a Q1 2027 launch, and five new cameras (Chris Welch/Bloomberg)

Ring, an Amazon-owned video doorbell company, has introduced a new smart lock that can be hand-cranked when its battery runs low, eliminating the fear of being locked out. The innovative lock is designed to address the common concern of power failure, which often dissuades people from adopting smart home devices. Ring's founder, Jamie Siminoff, conceived the idea while searching for a lock for a vacation home that he knew would likely run out of battery frequently.

He realized that if the battery died, family or friends visiting the house could become stranded outside the door since the lock would not be connected to a power source.

Siminoff's solution involves a power dial that, when turned a few times, can power the lock back up, allowing the homeowner to enter their home even with a depleted battery. The lock's rechargeable battery pack can last approximately a year and will notify users when it's time to recharge through the Ring app. The app also enables users to set up access permissions for individuals requiring periodic access, such as dog walkers or house cleaners.

In the future, Ring plans to enable third-party app developers to create specialized software tailored for the lock, expanding its functionality to scenarios like Airbnb hosts who might need to frequently change access codes.

The Ring smart lock provides four distinct entry methods, minimizing the risk of forgetting a passcode. These methods include a fingerprint reader, a backlit touchscreen keypad, the Ring app, or the voice-activated Alexa. Siminoff acknowledges that the lock may be comparable to existing models on the market, but he believes the ability to avoid the anxiety of being locked out will serve as its main selling point.

He emphasizes that the power issue has historically been a significant barrier to widespread smart lock adoption. Traditionally, alternative backup methods have involved cumbersome and less secure solutions like hiding physical keys on the property.

The Ring smart lock is compatible with standard single-cylinder deadbolts and will be available for purchase in the U.S. beginning in the first quarter of 2027, pending FCC approval. It will be offered in three finishes: black, silver, or brass. Additionally, Ring unveiled four new 4K cameras: the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus, and a pan-tilt Indoor Cam 4K, further enhancing its smart home ecosystem.